Leotax K
The Leotax K is a LTM-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1955. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- LTM
- Release Year
- 1955
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- K
- Serial Range
- Approximately 5523x to 6154x and 2511x to 3075x, observed non-contiguous collector ranges
Dimensions
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Framelines
- None, separate fixed 50 mm viewfinder and coupled rangefinder
- Shutter Speeds
- B, 1/25 s, 1/35 s, 1/50 s, 1/75 s, 1/100 s, 1/200 s and 1/500 s
- Shutter Type
- Cloth
Features
- Hot Shoe
- No
- Tripod Socket
- Yes
- Self Timer
- No
- Flash Sync
- 1/25 s
Leotax K
The Leotax K is the simplified member of the 1955 Leotax F family. It uses the same die-cast LTM rangefinder body but omits both the 1/1000 second speed of the F and the slow-speed mechanism retained by the T [1].
The cloth focal-plane shutter provides B and speeds from 1/25 to 1/500 second. It retains switchable FP and electronic-flash operation, with X synchronization at 1/25 second [1].
History
Development and Launch
Released in 1955, the K provided Leotax with a lower-priced body below the T. Its reduced shutter specification distinguished it without changing the LTM lens mount or coupled rangefinder concept [1].
Production Evolution
K bodies span both Showa Optical Works and Leotax Camera Co., Ltd. engravings. Film-speed reminders occur as a window, black-white-red dial and later black-and-white dial, with a short transition between reminder types [1].
Special Variants
Most documented bodies carry a rigid 5 cm f/3.5 Topcor, while later outfits may use a Fujinon 5 cm f/2.8. A rare Lotax Camera Co., Ltd. engraving is considered an engraving error, not a separate model [1].
Collector Notes
Verify the absence of the front slow-speed dial, 1/500 maximum speed, F/X synchronization controls, maker inscription and reminder style. The overlapping serial blocks are collector observations rather than complete factory allocation records.
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